Built to last

Open: Share about a cathedral or a monastery still in use that is very old. Contrast it with some type of “disposable” building in America that is at the end of usability after 75 years.

Transition: The difference is in the design - some things were built to last and to endure the test of time. God is the Ultimate Designer and He has structured His Church in such a way as it will prevail.

We gather together today as the local body of Christ known as Smyrna Baptist and we are observing our 102nd anniversary! Not one of us was even alive at the time of the founding and no one present helped establish this fellowship. Yet, we have entered into the story of Smyrna in this generation, and we are now part of its legacy. Like previous generations, we also have the responsibility of ensuring that Smyrna will continue to stand as a Gospel lighthouse for future generations.

This will be accomplished with God’s help as we faithfully adhere to His principles for Church growth. We are going to look at one set of His principles from Paul’s letter to the Corinthians.

READ the TEXT: 1 Corinthians 3:5 - 15

Background:

This letter is written to a group of Christ-followers in the city of Corinth. As a whole, this group of believers had lots of issues and they were doing “church” in ways that were not pleasing to God. They were, however, believers - we are informed of this truth at the beginning of the letter: “to them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints” (1C 1:2).

So the Apostle Paul is giving correction to these Christians at Corinth, and his letter contains principles and truths of God concerning how God would have His people conduct themselves.

We may not be experiencing the problems that the Corinthians were facing, but we can definitely benefit from God’s principles. One of the first principles we encounter on the topic of Church growth and health is found here in the 3rd chapter.

Church Growth is the result of the Sovereign action of God (1 Corinthians 3:5-7)

Explanation: The Church at Corinth had been influenced by several powerful servants of God. The city had been under the preaching of Peter, Apollos, and Paul, and each of these men had witnessed positive salvations from his preaching. These saints were now gathered together at the FBC of Corinth, but instead of gelling into a group identity as Christ-followers, the various groups were claiming allegiance to their favorite preacher.

Argument: Paul quickly dismantles this type of incorrect thinking. He replaces the idea of allegiance to a man and puts the focus where it belongs: to God Himself! Paul clearly states (twice) that God is the One who changes hearts and adds to His Church (1C 1:6-7). God is the Only One capable of transforming a sinner into a saint and He alone is worthy of that recognition - not a man.

Application: For Smyrna BC to continue to have impact in the present and in the future, those in the fellowship must look to God for growth. We must continue to trust Him instead of relying on a strategy or a pastor.

God uses means to grow His Church (1 Corinthians 3:8-9)

Explanation: We are called to recognize the Sovereignty of God in the life of a Church, but we are also called to recognize that our Sovereign God does use people. Church members are called to work in God’s Fields. We are called to plant, and to water and to weed. We are laborers in the field. God makes use of means - the way in which He accomplishes His purposes. God does NOT need us, but He has chosen to use us in His work. Those of us who have been redeemed in Christ have been given the privilege of joining alongside God in His work (verse 9a)

We are to labor in unity. In verse 8 Paul clearly states the principle of unity when he declares that the one that plants and the one that waters are one. Church members are on the same team! There is no room in the Church of God for elitism.

Argument: We are ALL to be involved in the work of building and strengthening the fellowship. Church membership is NOT a spectator sport. God did not Supernaturally redeem you just so you can sit on a pew until you die or Jesus comes back! If you are IN Christ, you are called to serve in some capacity.

NOTE: God supernaturally gifts His children for the purpose of accomplishing His work, and we do recognize that some believers are called to specific avenues of service. This recognition is NOT designed to elevate one person over another, but to labor in greater harmony as we seek to bring about God’s plans.

Application: Realize that you have a purpose within the life of Smyrna Baptist Church. Understand that God is equipping you to serve. It is a joint effort, and the pastor is NOT the only one called by God.

1 Peter 2:5 KJV 1900

Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.

The only foundation for Church growth is Jesus (1 Corinthians 3:10-11)

Explanation: As we do the work of the Church as co-laborers with God, we are to follow HIs building plan. He has laid the only acceptable foundation for the Church, and He will allow no deviations. The foundation of the Church is Jesus Himself (v. 11) and nothing else is suitable to build on.

Argument:

Jesus is the One who established the Church (Matt. 16:18)

Jesus is the Cornerstone (Acts 4:11-12)

Jesus purchased the Church with His blood (Acts 20:28; 1 Peter 1:18-19; Revelation 5:9)

Application: The Church of God has the foundation of Jesus because Jesus paid for it with His life and He glorifies it through His glorious Resurrection. Any group of people who move away from this foundation are no longer a NT Church. Regardless of the sign out front or the name on the door, when Jesus is no longer the foundation what is left is a social club - not a Church!

For Smyrna to continue as an effective fellowship that honors God, we must build on the foundation stone of the Risen Christ!

Church members will give an account for their part in the life of the Church (1 Corinthians 3:12-15)

Explanation: As Church members, we will each one of us give an account to the Master for the manner in which we served. The foundation IS established, but how have we built on that foundation? Paul describes the different “building materials” that are used by the saints. We can build positively with gold, silver, or precious stones OR we can build sloppily with wood, hay or stubble. The first group of “building materials” represents labors done in the Name of Christ for His glory while the second group of “building materials” represent human efforts for human glory.

Argument: Each saint’s labors WILL be judged. The Judgment is likened to a trial by fire. The first group (gold, silver, precious stones) will survive the fires and come out purified and of great value. The second group, however, (wood, hay and stubble) will be consumed in the flame. There will be nothing left to present to the Master.

CONCLUSION:

God will reward the work done in His Name when it is done for His glory. (Cf. 1 Cor 15:58; Heb 6:10)